Ronald A. Hoard, internationally known as Ronnie Diamond Hoard, began his musical career at the age of six under the tutelage of his mother, Ruby Hoard and grandfather, Bishop Sim Lee Henry. Ronnie’s first musical instrument was the drums, which later shifted to the guitar during his teenage years.

Ronnie attended Kiser High School, where he performed with the band. After graduation, he continued his musical career by playing drums and singing background for the Blind Boys of Alabama. Shortly there afterwards, Ronnie played the bass, drums, and guitar with the Fantastic Violinaires of Detroit. It was during this time that he extended the octaves in his falsetto vocal range. His musical career expanded when he joined Jim Nabbies’ Ink Spots, playing bass and drums.Having played with various local bands and performing around the nation, Ronnie landed a position as lead singer and guitarist with the Grammy Award winning group, The Ohio Players. He was responsible for all, except one, of the lead vocals on the Graduation album which featured the single “Sight for Sore Eyes,” that ranked 74th on the Billboard chart. In 1996, Ronnie released his solo project “It is Written” on TyScott record label. This project was nominated for a Stellar Award in the “New Artist” category.

Ronnie has performed as a soloist with celebrated artist and groups such as Edwin Hawkins (“No One Like Jesus”), Dr. Leonard Scott (“King of Kings” and “Praise Him”), the late Roger Troutman (remixes of “Easy Like Sunday Morning” and “Living for the City”), and GMWA Men of Promise (“All Things Work Together,” “Thank You”, and an original selection “I Won’t Give Up”). He has also performed with Pastor Rance Allen, Luther Barnes, John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, Dawkins and Dawkins, The Mississippi Mass Choir, East Coast Regional Mass Choir, The Clouds of Joy, Charles Woolfork, Jeff Majors as guest soloist and guitarist, Jennifer Holiday in the Ron Banks production of “Where's My Father”, and Gospel Meets Symphony in 2004.

Over the past 15 years, Ronnie has served as pastor of Ephphatha New Ministries H.O.G., Inc. “The Church Where Your Gifts Make Room for You” in Columbus, Ohio; and he has written, directed, and produced two plays – “The Modern Prodigal” and “How Were You Raised”. In the last few years, Ronnie has produced and written songs for several artists. His greatest production endeavor was in early 2002 when he was invited by Thomas Spann to add his creativity to Spann’s new project, The Brooklyn Allstars “Good News”.

Apostle Hoard avails himself to various types of speaking engagements, including revivals, workshops, conferences, prison ministries, college concerts, and motivational speaking. His past engagements have included both college and military arenas.